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203 "I confess he asked me none."

"No; he merely came and freed me from the hands of Signor Vampa, where, spite of all my appearance of unconcern, I did not very particularly care to remain. Now, then, Franz, when, in return for such services, he but asks me to do for him what is done daily for any Russian prince or Italian noble who may pass through Paris merely to introduce him into society would you have me refuse? My good fellow, you must have lost your senses."

And this time it must be confessed that, contrary to what was usually the case, all the good arguments were on Albert's side.

"Well," said Franz, with a sigh, "do as you please, my dear viscount, for your arguments are specious, I allow. Still, in spite of all, this Count of Monte-Cristo is a most singular personage."

"He is a philanthropist," answered the other; "and no doubt his motive in visiting Paris is to compete for the Monthyon prize. If my vote and interest can obtain it for him, I will readily give him the one and promise the other. And now, my dear Franz, let us talk of some thing else. Come, shall we take our luncheon, and then pay a last visit to St. Peter's?"

Franz silently assented; and the following afternoon, at half-past five o'clock, the young men parted, Albert de Morcerf to return to Paris, and Franz d'Epinay to pass a fortnight at Venice.

But, ere he entered his traveling carriage, Albert, in the fear of his expected guest forgetting the engagement, placed in the care of the waiter of the hotel a card to be delivered to the Count of Monte-Cristo, on which, beneath the name of Albert de Morcerf, he had written in pencil:

"27, Rue du Helder, on the 21st May, half-past ten A. M."